Atlanta Pedestrian Accidents can Seriously Injure Children

By
Goldstein & Hayes, P.C.
|October 03, 2014

n an urban area like Atlanta, accidents between motor vehicles and pedestrians
happen on a regular basis. Nationwide, the National Highway Traffic and
Safety Administration (NHTSA)
indicates that around 76,000 pedestrians were injured in traffic accidents in 2012
alone. With this year’s school year in full-swing, it is a safe
bet that many children are walking to and from school each day, exposing
them to an increased risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident.
Fortunately, in many cases, victims will be able to recover for their
injuries and other losses by filing a Georgia personal injury claim.

There are various factors that place children at a particularly high risk
of being involved in pedestrian accidents. For instance, their smaller
size makes them inherently more difficult to see than adults. In addition,
children are more prone to erratic or otherwise unpredictable behavior,
such as running out into traffic or playing in the middle of the street.

Children being children is no excuse for driver carelessness, however,
and in many instances areas with a high density of children are clearly
marked with signs or lowered speed limits while school is in session.
Unfortunately, accidents continue to happen, sometimes with catastrophic
results for victims.

Driver Negligence and Pedestrian Accidents

As is the case with other types of claims based on personal injury, victims
must be able to establish that their accident was caused by someone else’s
negligent conduct. In the context of pedestrian accidents, driver negligence
can take a variety of forms, including the following:

Speeding

Distracted driving

Failure to stop at stop signs

Failure to stop for a crossing guard

Ignoring poor weather conditions

Failure to properly maintain a vehicle

Impaired driving

Fatigued driving

Improper turns

Not looking before backing up

Of course, there are a number of other ways in which a driver could potentially
cause a pedestrian accident involving a child. An experienced Atlanta
personal injury lawyer will be able to review the facts of your child’s
accident and inform you as to whether he or she may have a claim.

Common Injuries Associated with Pedestrian Accidents

No human body is a match for a motor vehicle, and this is particularly
true when it comes to children. Children who are struck by cars or trucks
have can potentially sustain injuries that may result in long-term complications
or disability, significantly affecting their current and future quality
of life. Among the more common injuries that children sustain in motor
vehicle accidents include:

These and other injuries that children can sustain in pedestrian accidents
may result in significant economic and noneconomic losses. An experienced
lawyer will be able to advise you as to whether you have a case and what
that case may be worth.

Call Goldstein & Hayes Today to Schedule a Free Consultation

If you or your child has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you should
discuss your case with an experienced lawyer immediately.
Call Goldstein & Hayes, P.C. today at (404) 869-8600.

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Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.